Sandwich Wrappers, Fast Food Wrappers and Gum Wrappers Comprising PLA Resin

ABSTRACT

A gum wrapper having two sheets of paper laminated with PLA resin material therebetween for packaging a plurality of wrapped, individual sticks of chewing gum.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/430,227, filed May 5, 2003 (E4919-00034), which claims priority fromprovisional patent application No. 60/378,380 filed May 7, 2002.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the use of PLA for sandwich wrappers,fast food wrappers, and gum wrappers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Typical fast food, burger, and sandwich wrappers are manufactured as atwo- or three-layered laminated structure comprising one or two layersof a paper substrate and a layer of polyethylene. In the three-layerstructure, two paper substrates are laminated using a layer ofpolyethylene interposed thereinbetween. In the two-layer structure, onelayer of paper substrate is coated with a layer of polyethylene orpolymer resin. The poly layer provides protection against moisture andcondensation and retains the aroma and flavor of the wrapped foodproduct.

Chewing gum during storage or exposure to ambient conditions, has atendency to lose or gain moisture from the surrounding atmosphere. Thistendency can be dependent upon the ambient temperature, relativehumidity, and the packaging used to house the chewing gum. The packagingof the chewing gum is important in keeping the product clean andreducing the tendency of the chewing gum to lose and gain moisture. Thepackaging is also important to reduce the flavor loss, reduce oxidation,and/or to prevent the product from picking up foreign aromas.

When chewing gum is placed in storage for a period of time, it isgradually exposed to the atmosphere as oxygen and other atmosphericcomponents migrate through the packaging material and into the chewinggum. Over time, this exposure to the atmosphere causes chewing gumflavor to oxidize and develop undesirable sensory characteristics. Mintoils in chewing gums is of particular concern. Also, oxidation of stickchewing gum components is a particular problem due to the high amount ofexposed surface area.

Sugar containing chewing gums have a tendency to dry out and becomebrittle when stored under relatively dry conditions. This is apparent athigher ambient temperatures. Sugarless chewing gums contain loweramounts of moisture than sugar containing gums. In sugarless gums whichare sweetened with moisture-susceptible artificial sweeteners, it isimportant to maintain a low moisture content in order to prevent loss ofsweetness and flavor qualities. However, due to their low initialmoisture content and higher level of hygroscopic ingredients, thesesugarless gums tend to gain moisture above 40% humidity, causing wetnessof the chewing gum and degradation of the moisture-susceptibleingredients.

Various techniques have been developed for protecting chewing gum frommoisture loss, moisture gain, and other adverse changes which resultfrom storage. It is known to package pieces of chewing gum in a wrapperthat comprises a composite material having a tissue or paper substratethat contacts the chewing gum. This wrapper may also have an outermetal/foil surface. The paper substrate may be laminated to a metal/foilstructure using polyethylene or other polymer resin. The poly acts as abarrier to oxygen and moisture, both of which reduce the flavor andaroma of the wrapped gum product. A second paper wrapper is then placedaround the first wrapper to secure the packaging. This second wrapperdisplays the gum type and company logo, but may also be plain white.

Double wrapped sticks of chewing gum are housed as a group ofindividually wrapped gum pieces in a package referred to as acounterband. A counterband is usually also a composite material, suchas, an interlayer of aluminum foil with a paper and/or propylene outersurface. A counterband seals the individually wrapped pieces of chewinggum until opened by the customer.

A further issue is environmental concerns. Foil wrappers andcounterbands are not biodegradable, easily recyclable and notenvironmentally friendly.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,010,724 relates to a wrapper for housing chewing gum.The wrapper includes a substrate having a front and back surface. Thefront surface includes a top edge, a first side edge, a bottom edge, asecond side edge, and three areas of adhesive. A first area of adhesiveis located along a portion of the front surface that is adjacent to thefirst edge and the top edge. A third area of adhesive is located along aportion of the front surface that is adjacent to the second side edgeand the top edge. And a second edge of adhesive is located along aportion of the front surface that is in juxtaposition to, but nottouching, the bottom edge.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,388 relates to a method for packaging at least onestick of chewing gum which comprises the steps of preparing a stick ofchewing gum that includes a coating of an edible material that providessufficient vapor barrier properties to provide the stick of chewing gumwith a more stable moisture content at ambient conditions than a stickof chewing gum that does not include the coating, and wrapping the stickof chewing gum in a wrapper that does not include any metal foilmaterial to create a wrapped stick of chewing gum. The sticks of chewinggum can then be packaged in a counterband.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,500 relates to a method of stabilizing chewing gumwith an antioxidant containing tissue and product thereof. A wax-coatedtissue paper having free antioxidant present in the wax and havingcoatings of wax with antioxidant on both surfaces of the tissue paper,retards oxidation and prolongs the life of a chewing gum stick which isindividually wrapped with the coated tissue paper.

For hot sandwiches it is difficult to provide a suitable, butinexpensive and ecologically sound environment for maintaining hotsandwiches in palatable condition for the storage interval betweenpreparation and consumption. Styrofoam clamshells have been used, butthey require too much volume in landfill, is not at all biodegradableand is quite difficult to economically recycle. They provide onlylimited storage space.

Composite sandwich wraps are considerably more effective in controllingmoisture and keeping hot sandwiches at proper temperature, whileovercoming or reducing many of the ecological problems. These threelayer wraps comprise an absorbent inner layer, a foldable printableouter layer and a moisture vapor impermeable barrier layer in betweenwherein at least one of the interior or exterior layers arediscontinuously bonded to the moisture vapor impermeable layer to formpockets which communicate with each other allowing flow of air betweenpockets defined between the layers by discontinuous bonding pattern.These wraps are effective in keeping many types of sandwiches warm whileavoiding soggy spots on the bun.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,674 relates to a composite integral sheet of highlyabsorbent wrap material with hydrophobic water-vapor permeable pellicleand method of making the same. A composite integral sheet of wrapmaterial which includes a first layer of absorbent material containingfibers bearing foraminous hydrophobic water-vapor-permeable pellicles, asecond layer of printable material and an impermeable pigmented polymerlayer interposed between the first and second layers. Additionally, theabsorbent layer will include highly absorbent material formed by in-situcrosslinking of a partially pre-neutralized polyacrylic acid. Thecomposite wrap material has a plurality of air pockets formed between atleast one of the first or second layers and the polymer layer, bydiscontinuously bonding the first or second layers to the polymermaterial.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,197,380 relates to a paper having a melt-stable lactidepolymer coating and process for manufacture thereof. A lactide polymercoating results in a strong, repulpable, high gloss, paper coating, Thelactide polymer comprises a plurality of polylactide polymer chains,residual lactide in concentration of less than about 5 percent in waterin concentration of less than about 2000 parts-per million. The patentalso relates to a method for coating paper comprising extruding alactide polymer composition onto a moving paper to provide a coatedpaper wherein the lactide polymer composition comprises; a lactide levelof less than about 1 wt. % if any lactide present, a number averagemolecular weight of between about 10,000 and about 200,000; a catalystcomprising a ring opening polymerization catalyst; and catalystdeactivating agent in an amount sufficient to reduce catalyticdepolymerization, relative to an absence of the catalyst deactivatingagent.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,291,597 relates to a viscosity modified lactide polymercomposition and process for the manufacture. The polylactide polymer isprepared by providing in the composition polylactide polymer moleculeswhich have been modified, relative to linear non-substitutedpolylactide, to provide increased molecular interaction amongpolylactide backbone chains in the composition.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,791 relates to a melt-stable semi-crystallinelactide polymer film and process for the manufacture. The lactidepolymer comprises a plurality of polylactide polymer chains, residuallactide in concentration of less than about 5 percent and water inconcentration of less than about 2000 parts per million.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,103,809 relates to a thermoplastic compositioncomprising at least one crystalline water sensitive polymer and at leastone amorphous water sensitive polymer. The thermoplastic compositionsare useful in a variety of applications wherein water or moisturesensitive thermoplastic materials are employed such as various packagingadhesive applications including case and carton sealing, remoistenableadhesives, repulpable/recyclable adhesives and multiwall bagapplications. The invention is also useful for moisture activatablereinforcement strings and opening tapes for corrugated containers, aswell as a variety of nonwoven applications such as body fluidimpermeable barriers, core stabilization adhesives and constructionadhesives.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,114,042 relates to biodegradable polymers, theproduction thereof and use thereof for producing biodegradable moldings.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,114,495 relates to a lactic acid residue containingpolymer composition and product having improved stability and to methodsfor the preparation and use thereof. The lactic acid residue containingpolymer preferably includes a polylactide polymer having a numberaverage molecular weight of between about 25,000 and about 200,000,lactide, if present at all, present in a concentration of less than 0.5%wt % based on the weight of the composition, and deactivating agents.Articles which can be manufactured from the lactic acid residuecontaining polymer composition include fibers, coated paper, films,moldings and foam.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,166 relates to a lactide polymer coating resultingin a strong, repulpable, high gloss, paper coating. The lactide polymercomprises a plurality of poly(lactide) polymer chains, residual lactidein concentration of less than about 5 percent and water in concentrationof less than about 2000 parts per million. A process for coating paperwith the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,736,204 relates to a compostable paperboard containerand package for liquids which is coated with a material capable ofdegrading to carbon dioxide, water and biomass under compostingconditions.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,312,823 relates to a compostable multilayer film whichincludes a core layer having a first surface and a second surface, afirst blocking reducing layer covering the first surface of the corelayer, and a second blocking reducing layer covering the second surfaceof the core layer. The core layer comprises a lactic acid residuecontaining polymer having a glass transition temperature below 20degrees C. At least one of the first and second blocking reducing layerscomprise a semicrystalline aliphatic polyester. The core layer may beperoxide modified polylactide polymer which exhibits bridging betweenpolylactide polymer chains. The compostable multilayer structures arefilms having desirable properties of flexibility and tear resistance andcan be used to provide disposable bags or wrappers.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,814 relates to coated grade polylactide and coatedpaper, preparations thereof and articles prepared therefrom. A coatedpaper product including a paper layer and a polymer layer, wherein thepolymer layer includes a polylactide polymer composition having a ratioof Mz to Mn of greater than about 6. The polymer composition whenmelted, exhibits a die swell of greater than about 1.25 for a melt flowindex of greater than about 2.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,306 relates to a paper coated with polylactide and amethod for making it. The invention relates to a polylactide coatedpaper or board product which is made by coextrusion wherein thepolylactide is extruded together with a conventional polymer, such aspolyolefin, onto the surface of the paper, and after extrusion thepolyolefin film is removed and recycled.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,925,726 relates to a thermoplastic biodegradablepolyester, a process for the preparation thereof, and articlesmanufactured therefrom. The invention relates to a melt processablecopolyester and a process and prepolymer for the preparation thereof.The copolymer contains structural units derived from a polyester andstructural units derived from diepoxy, and the polyester units at leastessentially consist of hydroxy acid monomers. The copolyester ishydrolytically degradable and it can be used as a biodegradable polymerfor the manufacture of injection molded articles as well as thermoformedand blow molded packages, pouches, sacks and bottles, for the coating ofsacks, bags and films made from paper or cardboard and for thepreparation of fibers, fibre cloths and expanded polymer articles.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,936,045 relates to biodegradable polymers, thepreparation thereof, and the use thereof for producing biodegradablemoldings.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,118 relates to water responsive, biodegradable filmcompositions comprising polylactide and polyvinyl alcohol and a methodfor making the films. The films are useful as a component in flushableand degradable articles.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,080,478 relates to a multilayer material including acellulose based naturally decomposing basic layer, at least onepolyhydroxyalkanoate layer on the basic layer and at least onebiodegradable polylactide layer between the basic layer and the at leastone polyhydroxyalkanoate layer.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,962 relates to a compostable paperboard containerand package for liquids coated with a polymeric material capable ofdegrading under composting conditions and subsequently in the presenceof light to form carbon dioxide, water and biomass.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,474 relates to a lactide polymer coating resultingin a strong, repulpable, high gloss, paper coating. The lactide polymercomprises a plurality of polylactide polymer chains, residual lactide inconcentration of less than about 5 percent and water in concentration ofless than about 2000 parts per million. A process for coating the paperwith the lactide polymer composition is also disclosed.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,807,973 relates to a nonwoven fabric comprised of alactide polymer. The lactide polymer comprises a plurality ofpolylactide chains, residual lactide in concentration of less than about2 percent and water in concentration of less than about 2000 parts permillion. The patent also discloses a process for manufacturing anonwoven fabric with the lactide polymer composition.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,849,374 and 5,849,401 relate to a compostable,multilayer structure in the form of a film, sheet, laminate, and thelike, which comprises a core layer having a first surface and a secondsurface, a first blocking reducing layer covering the first surface ofthe core layer, and a second blocking reducing layer covering the secondsurface of the core layer. The core layer contains a lactic acidresidue-containing polymer and has a glass transition temperature belowabout 20 degrees Celsius. The first and second blocking reducing layersinclude a polymer composition of a hydrolyzable polymer having a glasstransition temperature above about 50 degrees Celsius. The multilayerstructure can be used for preparing bags and wrappers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fast food, sandwich and burgerwrappers, comprising two sheets of paper having a weight in the range ofabout 10 to 30 pounds laminated with polyethylene to form apaper/poly/paper structure. In the present invention PLA resin issubstituted for the polyethylene, forming a paper/PLA/paper structure.The advantage of using PLA resin is the compostability of the wrapper,as well as its properties for retaining flavor/aroma and protectingagainst moisture.

Another object of the present invention is for PLA resin to coat a 10 to30 pound paper substrate on one side with PLA resin, instead ofpolyethylene for fast food, sandwich and/or burger wrappers.

For gum wrappers, currently an 8 to 30 pound paper substrate islaminated to an extruded foil using polyethylene to create the singlestick gum wrappers (paper/poly/foil lamination). In the presentinvention, PLA is substituted for polyethylene creating a paper/PLA/foillamination.

Another object of the present invention is to use PLA resin as asubstitute for polyethylene in an outside package for individuallywrapped gum sticks whereby customers glue a printed film substrate tothe paper/polyethylene/foil lamination. The advantage in using PLA inplace of polyethylene for gum wrappers is its superior flavor and aromaretention (acting as an oxygen barrier) and moisture protection.

The present invention relates to a gum wrapper comprising; paper, PLAresin and foil; wherein the PLA resin is placed on an outside package ofthe gum wrapper for a printed film substrate to be placed on thepaper/PLA/foil lamination.

The present invention relates to a wrapper for fast food, sandwich andburgers comprising; two sheets of paper having a weight in the range ofabout 10 to 30 pounds laminated with PLA resin, forming apaper/PLA/paper structure. It is an object of the present invention forthe wrapper to be compostable. It is an object of the present inventionfor the wrapper to retain the flavor/aroma of contents of the wrapper.It is an object of the present invention for the wrapper to protectagainst moisture.

The present invention relates to a wrapper for fast food, sandwich andburgers comprising: a paper substrate having a weight in the range ofabout 10 to 30 pounds coated with a PLA resin on one side.

The present invention relates to a gum wrapper comprising; a papersubstrate having a weight in the range of about 8 to 35 pounds laminatedto an extruded foil using PLA to create a single stick gum wrapper(paper/PLA/foil lamination).

The present invention relates to an outside wrapper for individuallywrapped gum sticks comprising; a paper substrate having a weight in therange of about 8 to 30 pounds laminated to an extruded foil using PLA tocreate an outside package for individually wrapped gum sticks wherebycustomers glue a printed film substrate to said paper/PLA/foillamination. It is an object of the present invention for the wrapper tohave superior flavor and aroma retention. It is an object of theinvention for the wrapper to act as an oxygen barrier. It is an objectof the present invention for the wrapper to provide moisture protection.

The present invention relates to a composite wrap material comprising;two layers or sheets of cellulosic material; and a layer of PLA resininterposed between the two cellulosic layers. It is an object of thepresent invention for the PLA layer to provide a moisture and vaporbarrier to protect taste and aroma of a wrapped product. It is an objectof the present invention for the wrapped product to be a fast foodproduct, sandwich or burger. It is an object of the present inventionfor the wrap material to provide a clear or transparent wrap so that aconsumer can see the paper layer laminated to the resin layer. It is anobject of the present invention for the wrap material to have one ormore layers containing a pigment to provide coloration.

The present invention relates to a method for making a composite wrapmaterial comprising: laminating a three-layer structure comprising twolayers of paper. A PLA layer or film layer is interposed between thepaper layers using a nip roller apparatus or other suitable laminatingdevice. The layers are then bonded together.

The present invention relates to a composite wrap material comprising:one layer or sheet of cellulosic material; and a layer of PLA resinmaterial that is integrally bonded to the cellulosic material by meansof an adhesive. It is an object of the present invention for the PLAresin layer to provide a moisture and vapor barrier to protect flavorand aroma of a food product packaged within the wrap material. It is anobject of the present invention for the wrap material to provide a clearor transparent wrap such that a consumer can see the cellulosic materiallaminated to the PLA resin layer. It is an object of the presentinvention for the layers to contain a pigment to provide coloration. Itis an object of the present invention for the cellulosic material tohave a high gloss print surface or a standard paper print surface. It isan object of the present invention for the paper material and/orfilm/resin layer to have a metalized material. It is an object of thepresent invention for the paper to be printed before lamination so thatthe print shows through the film/resin layer. It is an object of thepresent invention for the wrap material to have a high burst strength.It is an object of the present invention for the wrap material toprovide a moisture barrier to prevent moisture absorption. It is anobject of the present invention for the wrap material to be compostable.

The present invention relates to a composite wrap material comprising: alayer of paper or cellulosic material; and two or more layers ofdifferent resins simultaneously applied to one side of said paper. Oneresin has a low moisture transmission rate and/or high strengthcharacteristics and the other resins having heat seal or glueablecharacteristics similar to polyethylene coated wraps. It is an object ofthe present invention for the one resin to comprise a layer ofpolypropylene homopolymer or copolymer, high density polyethylene, PLA,or linear low density polyethylene which provides higher strengthcharacteristics and lower moisture vapor transmission rates, and theother resin comprises low density polyethylene, or PLA which provides aheat seal or glueable surface.

The present invention relates to a process for making a compositematerial comprising: providing a first sheet of cellulosic material anda second coextruded layer comprising two layers of polymer and/or PLAresin materials. The coextrusion layer are applied to a surface of thefirst sheet. The first sheet and the second coextrusion layers areconveyed into a laminating apparatus where said layers are bonded,forming an integral composite material.

The present invention relates to a wrap for fast food items, sandwiches,and/or burgers comprising: first and second cellulosic layers comprisinga printed or non-printed paper substrate with a basis weight of 10 to 30pounds per 3,000 sq. ft; and a layer of PLA resin interposed between thecellulosic layers. It is an object of the present invention for the PLAresin to be in an amount necessary to provide adequate moisture andvapor protection and optimal retention of flavor and aroma of a wrappedfood product.

The present invention relates to a wrap for fast food items, sandwiches,and/or burgers comprising; a first cellulosic layer comprising a printedor non-printed paper substrate with a basis weight of 10 to 30 poundsper 3,000 sq, ft; and a layer of PLA resin coated on the cellulosiclayer. It is an object of the present invention for the PLA resin to bein an amount necessary to provide adequate moisture and vapor protectionand optimal retention of flavor and aroma of a wrapped food product. Itis an object of the present invention for the wrap to further comprisean adhesive.

The present invention relates to a wrap for wrapping individual sticksof chewing gum comprising: a first cellulosic layer comprising a papersubstrate with a basis weight of approximately 8 to 30 pounds per 3,000sq. ft. The paper layer is laminated to a layer of extruded foil usingPLA resin as an interposing layer.

The present invention relates to an outside wrapper for packaging aspecified quantity of individually wrapped sticks of chewing gumcomprising: a first cellulosic layer comprising a paper substrate with abasis weight of 10 to 35 pounds per 3,000 sq ft. The paper layer isadhered to a printed solid plastic film substrate using PLA resininterposed therein between.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a three-layered structure used forwrapping fast food items, sandwiches, or burgers.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a two-layered structure used forwrapping fast food items, sandwiches, or burgers.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a wrapper used for wrappingindividual sticks of chewing gum.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an outside wrapper used forpackaging a specified quantity of individually wrapped sticks of chewinggum.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In one embodiment a composite wrap material comprises two layers orsheets of cellulosic material and a layer of PLA resin that isinterposed between the two cellulosic layers. The PLA layer functions toprovide a moisture and vapor barrier to protect the taste and aroma ofthe wrapped product, such as a fast food product, sandwich or burger.The wrap material can provide a clear or transparent wrap such that theconsumer can see the paper layer laminated to the resin layer. One ormore layers can optionally contain a pigment to provide coloration. Thecomposite paper/PLA/paper material can be prepared by laminating athree-layer structure comprising one layer of paper, the PLA layer orfilm layer interposed between the first and a second paper layer using anip roller apparatus or other suitable laminating device. The paper andresin layers can be passed through a pair of nip rollers to bond thelayers together. Advantageously, the resulting composite wrapfacilitates high burst strength of the final package, the option of ahigh gloss print surface or a standard paper print surface, a moisturebarrier to prevent moisture absorption by the wrapped paper and the foldcharacteristics of paper. The composite wrap material is also fullycompostable.

In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a compositewrap material comprising one layer or sheet of cellulosic material and alayer of PLA resin material that are integrally bonded together by meansof an adhesive. The PLA resin layer functions to provide a moisture andvapor barrier to protect the flavor and aroma of the food productpackaged within the wrap material. The wrap material can provide a clearor transparent wrap such that a consumer can see the paper layerlaminated to the PLA resin layer. One or more layers can optionallycontain a pigment to provide coloration. The wrap can also be providedwith a high gloss print surface or a standard paper print surface. Thepaper material and/or film/resin layer can be a metalized material. Alsothe paper can be printed before lamination so that the print showsthrough the film/resin layer.

Advantageously, the resulting composite wrap facilitates high burststrength of the final package, the option of a high gloss print surfaceor a standard paper print surface, a moisture barrier to preventmoisture absorption. The composite wrap material is also compostable.

In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a compositewrap material comprising a layer of paper or cellulosic material and alayer of coextruded resin. The coextrusion process comprises applyingtwo or more layers of different resins simultaneously to one side of thepaper. The composite wrap material has one resin with low moisturetransmission rates and/or high strength characteristics and the otherresin has heat seal or glueable characteristics similar to thepolyethylene coated wraps currently used in the market.

The inside coextrusion layer comprises a layer of polypropylenehomopolymer or copolymer, high density polyethylene, PLA, or linear lowdensity polyethylene which provides higher strength characteristics andlower moisture vapor transmission rates. The outside layer may compriselow density polyethylene, or PLA which provides a heat seal or glueablesurface.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for makinga composite material comprising: providing a first sheet of cellulosicmaterial and a second coextruded layer comprising two layers of polymerand/or PLA resin materials. The coextrusion layers are applied to thesurface of the first sheet. The first sheet and the second coextrusionlayers are conveyed into a laminating apparatus where the layers arebonded to form an integral composite material.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the invention (10) used for wrappingfast food items, sandwiches, and/or burgers. The first and secondcellulosic layers (20 and 40) comprise a printed or non-printed papersubstrate with a basis weight of 10 to 30 pounds per 3,000 sq. ft.Interposed between layers (20) and (40) is a layer of PLA resin (30) inan amount necessary to provide adequate moisture and vapor protectionand optimal retention of flavor and aroma of the wrapped food product.The three layers are integrally bonded using a lamination processwhereby the layers are directed through a pair of nip rollers rotatingin opposite directions.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of the invention (10) used for wrappingfast food items, sandwiches, and/or burgers. The first cellulosic layer(20) comprises a printed or non-printed paper substrate with a basisweight of 10 to 30 pounds per 3,000 sq, ft. The paper layer is coated byany known means with a layer (30) of PLA resin in an amount necessary toprovide adequate moisture and vapor protection and optimal retention offlavor and aroma of the wrapped food product. The paper may be extrudedor otherwise coated with a layer of PLA resin or laminated to a PLAresin film with or without the use of any known adhesive.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of the invention (10) used for wrappingindividual sticks of chewing gum. The first cellulosic layer (20)comprises a paper substrate with a basis weight of approximately 8 to 30pounds per 3,000 sq. ft. The paper layer (20) is laminated to a layer ofextruded foil (40) using PLA resin (30) as an interposing layer.

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of the invention (10) used as an outsidewrapper for packaging a specified quantity of individually wrappedsticks of chewing gum. The first cellulosic layer (20) comprises a papersubstrate with a basis weight of 10 to 35 pounds per 3,000 sq. ft. Thepaper layer (20) is adhered to a printed solid plastic film substrate(40) using PLA resin (30) interposed therein between.

1. A gum wrapper, comprising: a paper/PLA/paper structure comprising twosheets of paper laminated with PLA resin material therebetween forpackaging a plurality of wrapped, individual sticks of chewing gum. 2.The gum wrapper of claim 1 wherein each of the two sheets of paper has abasis weight in the range of about 10 to 30 pounds per 3,000 squarefeet.
 3. The gum wrapper of claim 1, comprising: a paper/PLA/foillamination comprising paper, polylactide (PLA) resin material and a foilfor wrapping each of the individual sticks of chewing gum; and thepaper/PLA/paper structure being adapted to package the individual sticksof chewing gum wrapped with the paper/PLA/foil lamination.
 4. The gumwrapper of claim 2 wherein each of the two sheets of paper has a basisweight in the range of about 10 to 30 pounds per 3,000 square feet.
 5. Atwo-layer composite wrapper for packaging a food product comprising: apaper layer; and a polylactide (PLA) resin material covering the paperand comprising a barrier to moisture and vapor for protecting a foodproduct packaged within said paper layer, wherein the PLA resin materialcomprises an extrusion, and the PLA resin material bonds to the paperlayer.
 6. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 5 wherein the PLAresin material and the paper layer are compostable.
 7. The two-layercomposite wrapper of claim 5 wherein the extrusion comprises two layersof the PLA resin material.
 8. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 7wherein the PLA resin material and the paper layer are compostable. 9.The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 5 wherein, the PLA resinmaterial is transparent, and the paper layer is printed with print thatshows through the PLA resin material.
 10. The two-layer compositewrapper of claim 9 wherein the PLA resin material and the paper layerare compostable.
 11. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 5 whereinthe PLA resin material is transparent, and the paper layer containspigment to provide coloration.
 12. The two-layer composite wrapper ofclaim 11 wherein the PLA resin material and the paper layer arecompostable.
 13. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 5 wherein thepaper layer has a high gloss surface.
 14. The two-layer compositewrapper of claim 13 wherein, the PLA resin material is transparent, andthe paper layer is printed with print that shows through the PLA resinmaterial.
 15. The two-layer composite wrapper of claim 14 wherein thePLA resin material and the paper layer are compostable.
 16. Thetwo-layer composite wrapper of claim 5, further comprising: a metallizedmaterial in the paper layer.
 17. The two-layer composite wrapper ofclaim 5, further comprising: a metallized material in the PLA resin.